Manchester United are plotting a high-profile swap deal for AC Milan’s left-back Theo Hernandez, according to Italian outfit Calciomercato Web. Although the Red Devils have enough options in that area in Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, Erik ten Hag still wants the 2018 World Cup winner with France. Hernandez has been by far Milan’s best player in recent seasons, donning the captain’s armband more frequently as well after being named the Rossoneri’s vice captain.
While Milan have already expressed their strong desire to keep Theo Hernandez, by extending his stay until the summer of 2026 in February last year, Manchester United are ready to test the waters. Ten Hag is welcoming new reinforcements from all the sides and feels having three first-team left-backs won’t be a problem for him. Moreover, after his experiment of playing Shaw as the left centre-back was a hit, the England international could be rested with that role in future as well.
United ready to offer Diogo Dalot and Anthony Martial for Theo Hernandez
Manchester United are ready to offer an enticing offer to Milan to acquire the services of Theo Hernandez. Calciomercato Web claim that the Red Devils are preparing to send two of their star players Diogo Dalot and Anthony Martial to San Siro in order to get Hernandez. The two players have been revived at United under Ten Hag’s regime, and the club feels now is the time to capitalise on their brilliant form.
Dalot has been key to Ten Hag’s system this season, having started a staggering 22 of the club’s 28 games in all competitions, missing the others only due to an injury. His brilliant displays are reportedly set to earn him a contract extension at the club, with the likes of Barcelona and Juventus monitoring him for a move in the summer. However, United are ready to send him back to Milan, where he spent the 20/21 season on loan, if that means they get Theo Hernandez.
Anthony Martial is also deemed surplus to Ten Hag’s requirement, moreover, not providing the output as well which the Dutchman demands. The Frenchman’s season has been marred with injuries, limiting him to just 13 appearances, where he has bagged 5 goals and 2 assists. Martial was already running out of time to revive his career at Old Trafford, and his deadline seems to have come up, with United planning to couple him with Dalot in the exchange offer for Hernandez.
However, Milan have just extended their asset on a lucrative deal last year, and would be unwilling to just sell him 12 months later. Moreover, they value him at €60m, and believe the evaluation of the Manchester United duo Dalot and Martial won’t catch that figure given their contracts expire in 2024. Theo Hernandez himself has publicly expressed his love for Milan and desire to continue at the club.
The former Real Madrid full-back has made an impressive 145 appearances for the Rossoneri so far, scoring 22 goals and registering 27 assists. The 25-year-old has also been a crucial part of the club when they lifted the Scudetto after a decade during the 21/22 season. Theo Hernandez is currently having a barren run since returning from the World Cup with France, where they lost the final to Argentina, with zero goal contributions in five games.
However, Milan have no doubts about his capabilities and the instinct to click at the crucial moments. Moreover, they do not fancy the swap deal as well proposed by United, despite the Premier League giants including Dalot and Martial. The defending Serie A champions have serious doubts the two players will neither fit their technical project, nor the financial limits given their high wages.